RESILIN, a natural polymeric rubber-like protein with outstanding elasticity found in insects (anthropods) that enable them to jump, hop or flasp their wings has been discovered to have major potential uses in medicine, according to scientists.
In an article published in the journal ACS Macro Letters, scientists evaluated the latest advances on resilin in nanosprings, biorubbers, biosensors and other applications.
Read the full study abstract here
Resilin was first discovered half a century ago by Weis-Fogh during the investigation of the wing-hinge ligament of locusts and the elastic tendon of dragonflies , and was found to exhibit elasticity that can top the best synthetic rubbers. It can stretch thrice its original length, and spring back to its initial shape without deforming, Repeated stretching and relaxing do not affect the elasticity. Moreover, it possesses low stiffness and effective energy storage properties.
In 2005, scientists first synthesised resilin, and since then have continued to analyse its applications in medicine. For example, the substance was modified with gold nanoparticles for possible use in diagnostics; they engineered mosquito-based resin to act like human cartilage; and developed a hybrid material for cardiovascular applications.
A biochemist at CSIRO Livestock Industries in Australia, who led a team of scientists that created a sample of synthetic resilin said that the protein is much more resilient than any other rubber available.
Scientists say that the more studies conducted on natural resilin and resilin-like polypeptides, the more knowledge gained on their applications in biomedical and biotechnological applications.